Ferrette Castle

Ferrette castle is one of the oldest in Alsace. Its first mention dates back to 1105. It was one of the main possessions of the counts of Ferrette, a dynasty which was formed by sharing the inheritance of the counts of Montbéliard. Seven counts of Ferrette will follow one another.

After the death of the last count, the county passed to the house of Austria through the marriage of Joan of Ferrette with Duke Albert II of Habsburg in 1324. The castle then became the residence of an Austrian bailiff.

The ruins of the castle are made up of two parts:
- the upper castle, the oldest, consists of a residential tower carved in limestone and on several levels, one of the first of this type in Alsace. A platform allows you to enjoy a superb panorama of the Vosges, the Black Forest and the Jura.
- the lower castle has several round towers open to the throat and equipped with fire mouth.

Free visit all year round. Guide to discovering the castles of the Alsatian Jura available at the Tourist Office (3 €). Parking at the foot of the castle in front of the old court or at the Tourist Office. Allow 45 to 60 minutes for a free visit of the castle. You can download the sound points for free to listen to them on site.

FAQ - Visiting Ferrette Castle

Is Ferrette Castle open to the public?

Yes, the castle is accessible all year round for self-guided visits.
Access to the site is completely free and allows you to freely enjoy this iconic medieval site.

How does the castle tour work?

The castle can be reached on foot from the village centre via a marked trail.
The climb takes approximately 10 minutes and the complete visit to the site requires 45 to 60 minutes.
The discovery is done independently.

Is the castle accessible with a stroller?

The access path is stony, uneven and quite steep.

Strollers: recommendations

• Strollers are not suitable.

• It's best to use a baby carrier for comfortable and safe sightseeing.

What can you see when visiting Ferrette Castle?

The visit allows you to discover several remarkable features:

• The remains of the upper castle, including the tower carved into the rock and its panoramic platform.

• The lower castle, composed of round towers and defensive elements.

• An exceptional panorama of the Sundgau hills and surrounding mountain ranges.

Is the castle secure?

The ruins are consolidated but remain those of an ancient medieval site.

Safety tips

• Keep a close eye on the children.

• Do not climb on the walls.

• Wear shoes suitable for the terrain.

Can we visit the castle with a dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed provided they are kept on a leash.

Are there guided tours of Ferrette Castle?

Guided tours are offered occasionally. They provide an opportunity to learn more about:

• The history of the castle and the noble families,

• Local legends,

• The defensive architecture of the site.

Additional content

Audio points are accessible in three languages ​​via a QR code.

What is the entrance fee to the Château de Ferrette?

Visiting the castle is free.
A small paper guide is also available to delve deeper into the history of the site (modest price).

Do you need to be in a particular state of physical fitness to visit?

The climb up to the castle is short but a little steep.
Anyone who can walk uphill for a few minutes can access the site without difficulty.

What can you visit around Ferrette Castle?

The surrounding area offers several points of interest accessible from the same starting point:

• Short discovery trails,

• Rossberg viewpoint,

• Dwarf Cave,

• A complete walk of approximately 6 km encompassing these different elements.